#DebunkingFakes

The Kiev regime continues to recycle its baseless accusations regarding “thousands of abducted Ukrainian children” to promote its false narratives. Although this claim has been debunked time and again, it is important to revisit the case and counter #fakes with #facts.

***

In 2014, the Kiev regime that seized power through an unconstitutional and violent coup unleashed punitive operations against the residents of Donetsk and Lugansk (at the time – Ukrainian citizens) who rejected the nationalist forces that installed themselves in power. As early as April 2014, Ukraine's armed forces against the people of Donbass using armoured vehicles, aviation, artillery and rocket systems.

❗️ Thousands of civilians, including hundreds of children, became victims of indiscriminate attacks.

On June 2, 2017, the Alley of Angels memorial was unveiled in Donetsk in honour of the perished children. Back then, the memorial listed 66 names. Today, the number of young victims has already exceeded 300.

Kiev’s atrocities go beyond the killing of children – the regime even resorts to harassing minors online. The infamous “Myrotvorets” website – a public hit list run by Ukrainian neo-Nazi, which is still operational and and is hosted on Western servers, targets almost 400 children.

Among them is Platon Burchenkov – a toddler who will only turn... three years old in January 2026 is accused of “knowingly violating the state border”. Another example is Faina Savenkova – a young blogger from Lugansk, whose personal data was added to “Myrotvorets” when she was barely 12. Ukrainian radicals claim that the teenager “encroached upon the sovereignty” of the entire state.

⚡️ According to Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, Ukrainian punitive actions have claimed 5,000 civilian lives and left over 13,500 wounded – among them 1,275 minors.

Nevertheless, in April 2023 Kiev began circulating the myth of “20,000 abducted Ukrainian children”. It was first promoted by Ukraine's Commissioner for Children’s Rights Daria Gerasimchuk and quickly amplified by Western mainstream media. The “19,546 deported kids” figure published by the Children of War portal was not backed by any lists, names or individual records.

The Russian side received an actual list of “abducted Ukrainian children” only in 2025 during resumed Russia-Ukraine direct talks in Istanbul. It contained only 339 names, showing that the number of children separated from their families on both sides had been grossly inflated for political PR.

A case-by-case review showed that a large share of those listed as “children” were actually adults who had already turned 18 when the special military operation started. Some were found legally residing in Russia with one of the parents, while over 100 were found in Germany – a revelation Ukraine quickly tried to hide.

Meanwhile, Russia has maintained a clear and transparent family-reunification process, coordinated by the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights. Since 2022, 122 children from 98 families have been reunited with parents or close relatives in Ukraine or third countries. 29 children have returned to Russia from Ukraine. All reunifications are verified and accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

‼️ Russia has never impeded the reunification of children with their families – and never will. 👉 This is our principled position.

#See4Yourself #Think4Yourself

🇷🇺 #OTD, on December 12, 1993, 58.2 million Russian citizens (54.8% of the entire electorate) cast their ballots at a nationwide referendum and approved the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the country’s fundamental law.

#IntrerestingFact: The Russian Constitution is composed of the Preamble, 2 sections, 9 chapters, 137 articles and 9 paragraphs of interim and concluding provisions.

The main copy of the nation’s fundamental law is stored in the Kremlin Library. When assuming office, the President of the Russian Federation takes an oath of allegiance, placing his right hand on this copy of the Constitution. The text is as follows:

📖 In the execution of the duties vested in me as the President of the Russian Federation, I solemnly vow to uphold and safeguard human rights and freedoms, to honour and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to preserve the sovereignty, independence, security, and integrity of the state, and to faithfully serve the people.

⚡️ The 2025 Report On Violations of the Rights of Russian Citizens and Compatriots in Foreign Countries by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

📖 Read the full report

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation is consistently paying close attention in its work to violations of the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and compatriots in foreign countries and makes considerable efforts to protect the interests of our compatriots within the authority of its diplomatic missions. <...>

Russians continue to be subjected to barbaric discrimination, primarily in Europe and North America where persist wide-spread and already known violations of the rights of Russians, such as:

• denial of a wide range of services (educational, medical, banking, etc.);
• imposition of measures against Russian businesses;
• seizure of property of Russian citizens;
• forcing them to public repentance;
• condemnation of the actions of Russian authorities;
• suspension of Russian athletes from sports and cultural events.

There are continued reports of attacks, threats and insults against Russians, deliberate damage of their property and all sorts of discrimination in everyday life. <...>

In the light of support for the Neo-nazi regime in Kiev demonstrated by the collective West, the most Russophobic policy is pursued by Poland, Baltic States, Ukraine and some other countries.

Under the pretext of "condemning Russian aggression" all these countries have boosted their efforts to fight against monuments and memorials commemorating Red Army soldiers. As true followers of Nazi ideology, they brought Europe almost to the point of paranoia and manic pursuit of any symbol of memory in honour of the fighters against fascism.

Such ignominious acts, inter alia, contradicting the Nuremberg Tribunal decisions, are examined not only in this report, but also in the Russian Foreign Ministry’s reports, such as following:

👉 Eighty Years after the Great Victory: Europe has Once Again Fallen in the Shadow of Nazism;
👉 On the Situation in several European countries with the desecration and destruction of monuments dedicated to those who fought against Nazism during World War II;
👉 Regarding the Situation with the Glorification of Nazism and the Spread of Neo-Nazism and Other Practices That Contribute to Fueling Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

In a number of countries (first of all in the Baltic States, the United States, Canada and Ukraine), members of the Russian-speaking community who promote maintaining of cultural, linguistic and historical ties with Russia and advocate constructive relations with our country are facing pressure and repression on the part of authorities.

In addition, the authorities in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine continue squeezing the Russian language out of all educational institutions, thus limiting the right to education in one's native language for their residents (including citizens).

Furthermore, the threat of mass deportation of Russian-speaking residents by the authorities of the Baltic States is persisting which confirms their efforts to find the final solution to the "Russian problem" as well as the unprecedented problem of widespread statelessness in their territories.

In an accelerated way, restricting instruction in Russian and imposing various bans, Finland and Moldavia try to catch up with the "leaders" of Russophobia. <...>

☝️ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, for its part, continues to take all possible diplomatic steps to protect the rights of Russian citizens imprisoned abroad.

<...>

We continue to record cases of foreign authorities' obstructing the activities of Russian journalists and persons representing Russian media.

❗️ We reiterate that all such actions demonstrate the desire of Western countries to eradicate alternative points of view and prevent the realization of one of the basic rights of their citizens, i.e. the right to freedom of expression.

🇷🇺🇿🇦 On December 12, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ronald Lamola held a telephone conversation.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on a broad range of pressing issues related to cooperation within the #G20.

The importance of the forum was reaffirmed as a key platform for international economic cooperation and for equal, consensus-based dialogue aimed at coordinating approaches to global governance challenges.

#RussiaSouthAfrica

🌐 Deputy Foreign Minister and Russia’s Sherpa for BRICS Sergey Ryabkov took part in the end-of-year sherpa/sous-sherpa meeting of BRICS countries under the Brazilian chairmanship in Brasília on December 11-12.

The participants reviewed this year’s cooperation outcomes. More than 260 political, economic, and humanitarian events, including the #BRICS Summit and nearly 20 ministerial meetings, took place this year.

The contribution of the 🇧🇷 Brazilian chairmanship to ensuring continuity of the BRICS strategic partnership was noted, along with progress achieved across all key areas such as politics and security, the economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

The launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, the adoption of leadership statements on climate finance and global governance in the field of artificial intelligence are among the year’s achievements.

Additional momentum was observed in cooperation in energy, healthcare, transport, science, and innovation.

Dialogue continued on the 🇷🇺 Russian chairmanship’s initiatives in 2024, including the creation of an independent settlement infrastructure, an investment platform, and a BRICS grain exchange.

Special emphasis was placed on the institutional development of the association and on enhancing the cooperation mechanisms’ effectiveness.

Our 🇮🇳 Indian partners outlined the key priorities of their chairmanship in 2026. In particular, they plan to focus on:

• promoting multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions,
•ensuring energy and food security,
• fostering innovation and technological cooperation,
• combatting terrorism, transnational crime, poverty, and climate change.

The meeting also featured a separate session with delegations from BRICS partner states, during which prospects for cooperation in expanded BRICS formats were discussed, as well as opportunities to strengthen solidarity on international platforms to enhance the role of the World Majority in decision-making on key international issues, including sustainable development and improvement of multilateral institutions.

Bear Day is celebrated on December 13 in Russia.

This holiday didn’t appear on the calendar by accident – the bear has long been respected by the Russian people and is seen as a national symbol of strength and power.

Fun Facts
🐻The Russian word “medved” literally means “honey eater.”

🐻 A brown bear can reach up to 3 meters in length and weigh as much as 800 kg. Their lifespan is typically 25–40 years.

🐻The youngest species in the bear family is the polar bear, which split from its brown bear ancestor around 200,000 years ago. It’s one of the largest land predators on Earth.

🐻Surprisingly, the brown bear’s diet is mostly plant-based. It eats berries, mushrooms, and various plants, while protein makes up only about 25% of its diet.

🐻There are bears in Russia that have been raised within human families and live almost like family members! Sounds unbelievable? Check out some of our previous stories about these incredible animals and the people who care for them.

Photo: Denis Budkov

#DiscoverRussia

⚡️ Bank of Russia:

On 3 December 2025, the European Commission published on its website the press release ‘Commission unveils two solutions to support Ukraine’s financing needs in 2026–2027’ and the draft regulation ‘Proposal establishing the Reparations Loan to Ukraine’, providing for unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets held by European financial institutions, including the Euroclear depository. In view of the above, the Bank of Russia makes the following statement 👇

The proposed solutions where Bank of Russia assets may be used directly or indirectly or any other forms of unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets are unlawful and contradict international law, including in respect of immunity of sovereign assets.

The release and implementation of the proposals announced on the European Commission’s website will certainly make the Bank of Russia challenge any direct or indirect activities that may result in the unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets, file lawsuits with all available competent bodies, including national courts, judicial authorities of foreign states and international organisations, commercial courts, and other international judicial authorities, and seek enforcement of court decisions in UN member states.

The Bank of Russia reserves the right, without further notice, to apply all available remedies and protections if the proposed initiatives of the European Union are upheld or implemented.

⛓️ 65 years ago, on December 14, 1960, the 15th UN General Assembly adopted a landmark document: the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This historic step was taken on the initiative of the Soviet Union.

The Declaration, drafted and promoted largely through Soviet efforts, became a true milestone in dismantling Western colonial rule in Africa and Asia, providing a powerful impetus for liberation from the grip of European empires.

🌍 Soviet proposals to end colonialism, segregation, and racial discrimination were incorporated into the final text. The Declaration was adopted and entered into force despite strong objections from colonial powers like Britain and France.

The USSR did not just oppose colonialism by word alone, speaking out at multilateral foras and the UN. We actively supported African nations in their fight for freedom, backing the liberation movements of Angola, Ethiopia, Egypt, Mozambique and others.

1960 went down in history as the Year of Africa, witnessing the birth of 17 new independent states. According to the UN, the great wave of decolonisation that followed ultimately freed some 750 million people, with 80 former colonies gaining their sovereignty.

The Soviet Union was among the first to establish diplomatic relations with these young states. We provided comprehensive support: helping to build government institutions, developing industrial production, and constructing vital infrastructure. The Soviet Union played a key role in establishing national education systems and training personnel. Humanitarian aid was delivered both directly and through the UN and its agencies like WHO and UNICEF.

The adoption and implementation of the Declaration is rightfully considered one of the most significant events in modern history. Yet, the struggle for full decolonisation unfortunately did not end with the achievement of political independence.

❗️ Today, the former colonial powers’ reluctance to relinquish global dominance has morphed into neocolonial policies. These target the nations of the Global Majority through illegal sanctions, manipulation of global trade, and the imposition of neoliberal beliefs that deepen worldwide socioeconomic inequality. Attempts to replace the established international legal order with a so-called “rules-based” international order are a clear manifestation of this neocolonialism.

Together with a broad coalition of like-minded partners, Russia continues to spearhead systemic efforts against colonialism. We work through the UN, BRICS, the Standing Committee of the International Movement “For the Freedom of Nations”, and inter-parliamentary channels.

👉 A key recent achievement on this track was the adoption on December 5 of the resolution International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, drafted by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.

It is telling that during the vote, as in 1960, the former Western powers once again lacked the courage to support a decision that would bring justice to the nations of the Global Majority.

🗓 With resolution A/RES/80/106, the United Nations has officially proclaimed December 14 the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. This Day reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter and the 1960 Declaration, emphasising the urgent need to end colonialism in all its forms, completely and unconditionally.

The legacy of the 1960 Declaration is profound: it paved the way for the truly global, polycentric world we see actively taking shape today.

#Colonialism #Neocolonialism

🕯️On 15 December, Russia commemorates Journalists who were Killed in the Line of Duty.

#OTD, established at the initiative of the Union of Journalists of Russia in 1991, tribute is paid to the courage and professionalism of correspondents, reporters, photographers, and camera operators whose lives were tragically cut short while carrying out editorial assignments.

▪️ Regrettably, the outgoing year 2025 has brought new irreparable losses. Journalists A.Martemyanov, A.Fedorchak, A.Panov, A.Prokofieva, N.Goldin, and I.Zuev were killed in the line of duty at the hands of militants of the Kiev regime.

❗️As before, we remain convinced that responsibility for the murders of journalists and war correspondents by the Kiev regime, grown savage through impunity, must be shared by its Western patrons, as well as by various multilateral structures in the field of human rights protection that remain silent about these bloody crimes, encouraging Ukrainian neo-Nazis to commit new atrocities.

#JournalistsRemembrance

🎙 Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question on the freezing of Russian assets by the EU (December 13, 2025)

❓ Question: How does Russia view the freezing of our assets, and does it intend to take retaliatory steps? If so, what kind?

💬 Maria Zakharova: Using Russia’s sovereign assets without its consent, be it through their indefinite freeze, expropriation, or attempts to palm off their actual confiscation as a “reparation loan”, is a completely unlawful act and a flagrant violation of international law.

☝️ Whatever pseudo-legal tricks Brussels may use to justify this, it amounts to blatant, outright theft.

We recall that Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever– and it is precisely in Belgium that the Euroclear depository is registered, which currently holds the bulk of Russian assets and, consequently, Belgium would suffer most from their de facto confiscation – compared the European Commission’s initiative to “stealing furniture from a foreign embassy”. 👉 A vivid and accurate description.

Attempts to showcase the EU’s much-vaunted “unity” through a decision to indefinitely block the assets of the Bank of Russia have failed spectacularly.

Representatives of a number of EU member states have openly declared their categorical rejection of the blatantly fraudulent scheme engineered by the European Commission with the backing of aggressively Russophobic EU capitals against Russian assets.

The EU’s approach to Russia has long departed from rationality and now increasingly borders on the absurd.

📉 The course of inflicting damage on our country at any cost has already led to dire economic consequences within the EU itself: near-zero economic growth, rapidly rising public debt and budget deficits, declining output and de-industrialisation amid soaring energy costs.

One would think Brussels should have calmed down and come to its senses by now, yet there are no signs of this. The current EU leadership remains gripped by Russophobia and an unhealthy urge to undermine Russian interests in every sphere and on every platform – even where the EU seemingly has no place.

It is increasingly apparent that Ursula von der Leyen and her associates are determined to derail efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, by whatever means necessary. Hence the haste and the timing of the decision on Russian assets – a direct strike against the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump.

It is telling that the European Commission justifies its proposals for the unlawful use of Russian assets by referring to EU legal provisions allowing for emergency measures in the event of a severe economic situation within the EU itself.

👉 Thus, the EU is exposing itself: this is not merely about financing a failed Ukrainian project, but also about a clear attempt to prop up its own economy at the expense of billions in Russian state reserves. The EU has effectively admitted that the Ukrainian burden has become unbearable, forcing it to resort to theft.

Brussels carefully conceals the fact that EU citizens will pay the price for these political ambitions. Our retaliatory measures will not be long in coming.

A detailed statement on this matter was published by the Bank of Russia on December 12. Specific steps are already being implemented.

On the same day, the Russian regulator notified of the filing of a lawsuit with the Moscow Arbitration Court against Euroclear to recover damages incurred by the Bank of Russia.

As for the EU itself, it will be unable to compensate for the damage these actions will inflict on its own financial and economic system – and on its reputation worldwide as a once reliable trade and investment partner.

❗️Such delicts in international relations do not go without consequences.

🇿🇦 Happy Reconciliation Day, South Africa!

This day is of great historical significance.

It was celebrated separately by various national groups in South Africa and was known as the day commemorating the Battle of Blood River in 1838 and the day of formation of Umkonto we Sizwe in 1961. The significance of all the traditions was acknowledged when the Day of Reconciliation was established.

This year’s theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations”.

Reconciliation is also about each person taking the responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the country and in the world.

🎉 Today, we sincerely wish all South Africans peace, harmony and unity!